I've always been a fan of Tuffy and the
security consoles they have produced over the years. I was happy to
see that they made a console for the Toyota FJ Cruiser and that it fit
into an existing location without the need for any modifications over
stock. Up to this point I had nowhere to stash my GPS or anything
else of value within a lockable enclosure. So I purchased this console from OK Auto for
about $200. Installation was very easily and what I gained was a
lockable box for my valuables. Here's a little something about the
console and what I think about it.

First, it's manufactured from 16 gauge
steel and powder coated with a very durable paint. Just judging by
the weight of it, I could tell that it wasn't just a cheap box. The
lockable lid has an anti-pry lip around the perimeter.

The locking mechanism is very stout, even
more so than my handgun lockbox made by a different company, and that
thing is designed for firearms! Tuffy calls this patented system the
"Pry-Guard II Locking System" with a heavy-duty 1/4" steel latch and a 10
tumbler double bitted lock with an anti-twist push button and built-in
weather seals. Not sure what all that means but I can tell the lock
means business. The push-button lock can be closed without locking
it, which is nice.

The lid design is weather resistant and has
what Tuffy calls a "Pin-Lock" hinge that prevents someone from accessing
the security box from the hinge side. The top also has a built-in
lid stop, so it can be opened and it doesn't flop all the way backwards.
It also has an internal storage tray for smaller items and a tray located
under the drivers side arm rest to hold smaller loose items like sun
glasses, pens, gum or whatever.

This Tuffy console is designed to fit into
the open storage cavity at the rear of the center console in the FJ.
By removing the rubber separator in the factory storage bin, this box uses
the stock bolts and includes another grade 8 bolt that you can optionally
install for added security.

The box is designed to allow the driver side arm rest to be
used, though if you have a passenger side arm rest, that will have to come
off. However the storage box then doubles as an arm rest for the
passenger with a full length vinyl padded top. The box doesn't
interfere with the factory drink holder.

As I
said, Installation was very easy and quick. Outlined below is the
steps necessary to install this added security in the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Patented Pry-Guard II Locking
System with a 1/4" steel latch
which enables the lid to be
latched closed without locking.

The rubber seal goes under the lid to somewhat help with
sealing from the weather but more so to stop the lid from banging down.
Just eye up where the seal will make contact with the lower half of the
console and stick the seal around the border.

Now to get the console in, BOTH arm rests (if you have two)
will have to be removed. The passenger side will not go back on but
the driver side will.

To remove these arm rests pop the plastic caps off the arm
rest and remove the bolt. Hang onto the driver side arm rest if you
want to put it back on. Don't loose the spacer behind the arm rest.

With the arm rests removed you can see there is plenty of
room to lower the Tuffy console into the OEM bin.

Next remove the two bolts at the base of the console bin.
These will be replaced by the 2 6mm X 25mm hex cap screws.

Now lower the Tuffy Console into the bin.

The blue arrows point to the two

The red arrow points to a hole where you can drill a
5/16" hole down through the OEM console, and through the body.
Before drilling, look under your vehicle ot make sure you won't be drill
through anything other than the bodies sheet metal.

If you do decide to install this 5/16-18 x 3" grade 8
hex cap screw, mark the hole, remove the console, then drill out the hole
after checking underneath the vehicle first. It will make for easier
drilling without the console in place. Once the hole is drilled,
then put the console back in place.

Now install the two 2 6mm X 25mm hex cap screws along
with the two ¼" washers and tighten the bolts. (Blue arrows)

Then install the 5/16-18 x 3" grade 8 hex cap screw
along with the 5/16” washers (one in the box and one under the vehicle and
secure with the 5/16-18 Locknut.

Once the security console is installed, re-install your
driver side arm rest. The passenger side arm rest, if you have one,
can be sold on eBay since a lot of earlier models FJs didn't come with one
for some reason though the bolt hole is there.

There you have it! A lockable security console.
What do I think?

Here's My Review:

It's a great addition to the FJ's interior.
It has never felt like it was in the way, and now there is a safe place to
stash my valuables out of sight and behind locked steel. It looks
great and locks and latches just fine. The only complaints I'd have
is that it's not always easy to get my hand on the push button lock to
open it. Perhaps it's just something I'm not used to and I have to
give it a different approach to grasp it. But it's no big deal.
It's not a huge volume for a lot of junk but it's ample. I'd imagine
that a larger box would require the removal or a hack of the OEM console
to gain access to the floor and more space, but for now that's not
necessary as I have more storage elsewhere.
The side tray is nice as is the arm rest on top. Overall I'd have to
give it an 9 out of 10. I'll give Tuffy a 10 for making a console
that fits well into an existing hole, requires no modifications over OEM
(other than the removal of the arm rest) and the strength of the lockable
box. Well crafted and good to know I have a place to put valuables
now within reach of the driver seat.